Similar to past seasons, we will occasionally alternate the evenings between Tuesdays and Wednesdays to allow for greater participation, however the weather will ultimately dictate when they will be held. Recommended gear will also be listed along with any "strongly" suggested safety items.

In the event of bad weather, alternate "Rain Days" will be posted. Cancelations will be posted by noon of the scheduled day. It is recommended that you check the schedule before heading out.

Looking forward to seeing everyone out on the water!

** Disclaimer **This is not an offical OFS Event. Anglers are reminded that there is always the possiblity of accidents/injuries, especially when wading. Anglers are responsible for their own safety and should always use proper safty equipment (PFDs, wading staffs, etc).

May

Tuesday, May 28thTime: 6:00 pmLocation: Dow's Lake (fishing from shore, backwater around the pededstrian bridges)Parking: Fletcher Wildlife Garden, Hartwell Locks.Species: panfish, Crappie, CarpNotes: We're starting off on dry land for those that don't have wading gear yet. Please be mindful of other people/pets that may be nearby when you're casting. If you're going to target crappie a #10 baitfish pattern such as an Olive Palmer Chenille is a good choice. Nomads are another good choice.

June

Monday, June 3rdTime: 6:00 pmLocation: Billings Bridge - Rideau R.Parking: Warrington Dr. (south side of the road)Species: Pike, Musky, Walleye, panfish, carpNotes: Full wading gear will be required. A wading staff is recommended if you've never waded this particlar stretch. The bottom is mostly large rocks, however there are a few "soft" areas and spots with clay.

Monday, June 10thTime: 6:00 pmLocation: Jock R.Parking: Jock River Landing Park (off of Prince of Wales Dr, just south of Woodroff)Species: Walleye, panfish, red horse, fall fish, Bass (though currently OOS), Muskie (in upper reaches)Notes: Wading gear is required, a staff is always a good idea. After you pass under the bridge, there is a path upstream along the right hand bank, that provides quick access to the river.

Wednesday, June 19thTime: 6:00 pmLocation: Rideau R. @ Black Rapids (Eastern side)Parking: Street parking used be available on Mary Dr. (see map)Species: Walleye, panfish, red horse, fall fish, Bass, Muskie, Pike, CarpNotes: High waters have made pretty much every other location too dangerous/difficult to wade/fish. The east side of Black Rapids is not affected by current, however access to the water is challenging. From Mary Dr. there is a path through the playground that will take you to the access road for the dam. At the dam, you will need to walk along the wall, downstream until you find a safe spot where you can get down to the shore. Please be VERY careful on the wall as people have suffered bad falls in the past. A wading staff and bug juice are also highly recommended.

Tuesday, June 25th

Location: Rideau River - Long IslandTime: 6pmParking: Limited parking at the end of Lockview. Additional parking at David Bartlet Park or Beryl Gaffney Park.Species: SM, LM, muskie, redhorse, fallfish, walleye (if you stay till dark).Notes: The broken rock bottom can make for a technical wade in some spots. The water levels are still over a foot above normal, but there is still plenty of fishable water. if you haven't fished this reach, be sure to ask anyone that has for wading pointers, etc. Use of a wading staff can prevent some nasty tumbles. The bottom most flats can be a lot of fun with topwater/dries. Larger SM can be found along the drop-offs around the deeper pools. Heavy flies are needed get down to these fish. IIf you wish to fish the lower section without having to wade down from the dam, stay on the main park trail (gravel) until you get to the set of staircases. Just to the right there is a well worn trail down to the river, which will lead you to the bottom of the last set of rapids above the flats.

Notes: A regular Ontario Fishing license or QC fishing license is required. Full wading gear will be required and appropriate safety gear should be used. #10, #12 caddis dry flies are a good choice for rising trout. If you manage to catch any trout, the Green Drake would appreciate any photos that are taken. The hope is that ware levels have dropped from their recent highs. In any case, a wading staff is a must for this stretch of water.

Tuesday, July 16th

Location: Rideau River - Long IslandTime: 6pmParking: Limited parking at the end of Lockview. Additional parking at David Bartlet Park or Beryl Gaffney Park.Species: SM, LM, muskie, redhorse, fallfish, walleye (if you stay till dark).Notes: water levels are finally at a managable level, so we're going to give it amother go. The broken rock bottom can make for a technical wade in some spots. The water levels are still over a foot above normal, but there is still plenty of fishable water. if you haven't fished this reach, be sure to ask anyone that has for wading pointers, etc. Use of a wading staff can prevent some nasty tumbles. The bottom most flats can be a lot of fun with topwater/dries. Larger SM can be found along the drop-offs around the deeper pools. Heavy flies are needed get down to these fish. IIf you wish to fish the lower section without having to wade down from the dam, stay on the main park trail (gravel) until you get to the set of staircases. Just to the right there is a well worn trail down to the river, which will lead you to the bottom of the last set of rapids above the flats. Heavy woollybuggers, and poppers are two good patterns to have in your box.

Tuesday, July 23rdLocation: Bate Island - Ottawa R.Time: 6pmParking: on-siteNotes: River access is from the southeast end of the island. The most productive water has typically been on the southernmost channel. A wading staff is an essential piece of gear for this stretch of water. About halfway up the island (just above the large bolder mid river) is the easiest point at which to wade across the channel to the South Island.

August

Tuesday, August 6thLocation: Bate Island - Ottawa R.Time: 6pmParking: on-siteNotes: River access is from the southeast end of the island. The most productive water has typically been on the southernmost channel. A wading staff is an essential piece of gear for this stretch of water. About halfway up the island (just above the large bolder mid river) is the easiest point at which to wade across the channel to the South Island.

Friday, August 16thLocation: Strathcona Park - Rideau R.Time: 6pmParking: availble at the park (end of Sumerset)Species: Bass, Walleye, Pike, Muskie, CarpNotes: The most productive spots are either above or below the rapids. Water depths of 2.5-3' have been the most productive in the past. Heavy crayfish patterns bounced along the bottom as well as poppers can be be extremely effective.

Tuesday, August 20thLocation: Britannia Filtration Plant - Ottawa R.Time: 6pmParking: 4 spots available at the entrance to the filtration plant, otherwise parking is available on the side of the roadNotes: The inner channel has numerous flat sections that can be very slippery and treacherous if the water levels are up, however with the low water levels you will be looking for those deeper fish holding spots. Proper wading gear and safety equipment is strongly suggested. Bubblegum Pink Canadian Killers have been suggested as good flies for late evening channel cats. Poppers and dry flies are always fun if the SM are rising to the hatch.

Tuesday, August 27thLocation: Rideau River @ Hogs BackTime: 6pm or earlier if you want more time on the waterParking: Available at Hogs Back ParkSpecies: SM, Musky, Walleye (near/after dark)Notes: From the northwest corner of the parking lot, take the lower trail. You can either take the path that runs to the river where the lower path crosses the culvert or continue walking until you get closer to the Baseline bridge, where the trail to the river is evident. Given that the rocks along this stretch of river can be quite slippery, a wading staff is highly recommended. The upper reaches offers pocket water, while the lower runs cater to swinging files. Don't hesitate to swing poppers as well if you want some topwater action.